CEO SUMMARY: Across the globe, forward-thinking pathologists and radiologists are taking steps to use molecular technologies in ways that combine in vivo and in vitro testing. As this happens, traditional roles for pathology and radiology are likely to evolve toward a more integrated diagnostic service. To learn more about this trend, Molecular Summit 2008 is bringing together the first movers in molecular imaging and molecular diagnostics to share early successes and lessons learned.
FOR THE PATHOLOGY PROFESSION, the abstract concept of integrating in vivo and in vitro diagnostics moved to a marketplace reality as a result of three developments during the past year.
The first event was the emergence of Siemens AG as the world’s second largest in vitro diagnostics (IVD) company, following its rapid fire acquisitions of Diagnostic Products Corp. (DPC), Bayer Diagnostics, and Dade Behring.
The second was the effort, by General Electric Corporation, to acquire most of the diagnostics business of Abbott Laboratories, Inc. Although the deal was not completed, it put GE on record as being motivated to build its presence in IVD.
The third was the public statements by both Siemens and General Electric on their corporate strategies. In some form or fashion, both companies are stating that the future of diagnostic medicine lies in the effective integration of in vivo andin vitro diagnostics. These declarations have further credibility because both companies have demonstrated their readiness to spend billions of dollars to make their strategies a reality in the clinical marketplace.
Many pathologists reacted to these events with concern. That’s because in vivo testing is currently the province of radiologists, while in vitro testing is the province of pathologists. Thus, any efforts to integrate in vivo and in vitrotechnologies into a single, integrated diagnostic continuum will require collaboration between radiology and pathology.
Radiologists & Pathologists
In fact, it is in molecular medicine that early steps to integrate in vivo and in vitro diagnostics are occurring. These are definitely first mover efforts—not in the mainstream of pathology or radiology…yet. However, these early successes provide hard evidence of how pathologists and radiologists are likely to work together as molecular imaging and molecular diagnostics push their way into mainstream medicine.
To help pathologists and radiologists further understand these transformational developments, THE DARK REPORT is conducting Molecular Summit 2008, to be held in Philadelphia on February 5-6, 2008. The emphasis will be on molecular imaging and molecular diagnostics. Presentations will be given by pathologists, radiologists, and informatics experts on how they are using molecular technologies in in vivo and in vitro testing.
In Situ Assessment of Tissue
Several presentations involve ambitious efforts to apply core in vitro (pathology)
technologies to in vivo (radiology) procedures. For example, at The Methodist Medical Center in Houston, Texas, the vision is to assess tissue in situ without the need for a biopsy. King Li, M.D., FRCP, Chairman, Department of Radiology, will discuss how he and his colleagues want to use tools such as PET or CT-PET to visualize events at the macroscopic level. If an abnormality is detected, a tiny fiber can be guided to the area and inject a stain that highlights a molecular probe.
Meanwhile, pathologists at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, are focused on oncology. They are working to create a seamless information flow. Michael J. Becich, M.D., Ph.D., Chairman, Department of Biomedical Informatics, will discuss progress in integrating molecular diagnostics data produced by in vitro testing with an integrated informatics platform that gives clinicians access to all the relevant data for individual patients.
Integrated Reports for Docs
For a fascinating look at how pathology and radiology services can be integrated in ways that directly benefit physicians and patients, Laboratorio Fleury of São
Paulo, Brazil, will present a case study. Jose Marcelo A. de Oliveira, M.D., Ph.D.,
Diagnostic Center Director, will discuss Fleury’s strategy of providing “one stop”
diagnostic services to patients.
In downtown São Paulo, Fleury’s collection center draws 2,000 patients per day. The center also offers a complete line of imaging services, ranging from X-Ray and PETs to mammograms and sonograms. This equipment at allows a patient
to have several diagnostic procedures performed during one visit. Fleury then sends the physician a report that integrates clinical data, imaging, lab tests, and pathology.
Over the course of two days at the Molecular Summit 2008, advanced users of the newest molecular imaging and molecular diagnostics technologies will share the outcomes of these efforts. Several noted molecular strategists will provide detailed looks at how molecular medicine is expected to evolve in the coming years.
In Vivo and In Vitro
Billions of dollars are flowing into molecular medicine and leading corporations such as Siemens are predicting integration for molecular imaging and molecular diagnostics. Molecular Summit 2008 will provide a detailed look at how molecular’s pioneers are working to make that vision a reality.
Molecular Summit 2008 Deals with Integration of In Vivo, In Vitro Testing
HOW WILL NEW MOLECULAR TECHNOLOGIES bring pathologists and radiologists into closer collaboration? Molecular Summit 2008 has invited first mover and early adopter pathologists and radiologists to present their successes and lessons learned.
It will be the first global gathering to include both pathologists and radiologists using new technologies in molecular diagnostics and molecular imaging, respectively.
What: Molecular Summit 2008
When: February 5-6, 2008
Where: Sheraton Society Hill Hotel
Why: To explore early efforts to apply molecular technologies in ways that integrate molecular imaging and molecular diagnostics.
Info: www.molecular-summit.com for full details and to register.
